Popular Summer Songs / Summer Music Ranking [2026]

Harmony at the End of SummerInoue Yosui & Anzen Chitai57rank/position

Yosui Inoue & Anzenchitai - Harmony at the End of Summer

A beautiful ballad that vividly captures the melancholy of a fading summer and the moment two hearts overlap.

The poetic words by Yosui Inoue blend with the deeply emotive melody woven by Koji Tamaki, creating a lyrical world where even conflicting feelings are transformed into a beautiful tune that resonates in the heart.

The song was first performed during their joint stage at Jingu Stadium in August 1986 and released as a single the following September.

It is also included on the classic album “Anzenchitai V.” Listen to it on a late-summer drive or during a quiet, contemplative night, and memories from that time may come flooding back in vivid color.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro58rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

This song was chosen as the theme for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon” and became a hot topic as a moving, tear-jerking ballad.

Written and performed by singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata, it was released in August 2014.

Its warm message wishing happiness for someone close overlaps with Hata’s beautiful, gentle vocals, and before you know it, it brings you to tears.

The piece resonated with many people for its depiction of irreplaceable bonds—caring for others and staying connected at heart even when apart.

It’s also included on the album “Ao no Kōkei” (Scenes of Blue).

If you compile reels of summer trips with friends or bright, sunflower-like smiling moments spent with family, you’ll end up with a moving creation.

A Long, Short FestivalShiina Ringo59rank/position

Ringo Sheena – Long and Short Festival

Singer-songwriter Ringo Sheena, who continues to captivate countless fans with her one-of-a-kind world, released this song on the single “Nagaku Mijikai Matsuri / Kamisama, Hotokesama” in August 2015.

Written specifically as the Coca-Cola 2015 summer campaign CM song, many of you likely heard it on TV and elsewhere.

It’s a duet with Ukigumo, the guitarist of Tokyo Jihen, and it’s crafted into a stylish dance tune infused with Latin and bossa nova elements.

The adult atmosphere—where the sultry heat of summer nights mingles with the poignancy of passing time—is irresistible.

It’s a number you’ll want to play while gazing up at fireworks or during a summer night drive.

That gentle girlsupittsu60rank/position

Spitz / That Gentle Girl

It’s a song by Spitz that was used as the theme for NHK’s morning drama series “Natsuzora.” Set against the vast nature of Hokkaido, it’s notable for its positive message and warm lyrics.

Released in June 2019, it topped many music charts.

It’s curious—there aren’t any explicitly summery words in the lyrics, yet when you close your eyes, a summer blue sky comes to mind.

That’s Spitz for you! It’s the kind of song that makes you want to see someone and be gentle.

Perfect for a drive or a relaxing time by the sea, and every listen makes your heart feel lighter.

ultra soulB’z61rank/position

B’z / ultra soul

With its energetic music and powerful message, this B’z classic adds a refreshing spark to your morning wake-up.

Released in March 2001, the song portrays the drive to challenge one’s limits and pursue dreams—making it a perfect power tune to start the day.

It also drew attention as the official theme song for the 2001 FINA World Championships in Fukuoka.

Tak Matsumoto’s razor-sharp guitar work and Koshi Inaba’s soaring vocals blend brilliantly to express deep themes of self-realization and growth.

Highly recommended for those who want to kick off the day with vigor or need an anthem that pushes them to confront their limits.

Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY62rank/position

PUFFY 'Et Cetera Related to the Beach' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A top-tier summer tune from PUFFY, produced by Tamio Okuda with lyrics by Yosui Inoue—both leading creators in Japan’s music scene.

Released in April 1997, the track hit No.

1 on the Oricon charts and became a million-seller with total sales exceeding 1.1 million copies.

It was also widely known as the song for Kirin Beverage’s “Tennen Sodachi” commercial.

Inoue’s lyrics paint a humorous, slightly surreal world set on a summer shoreline—utterly distinctive.

It’s a bona fide miracle of a song, perfectly fusing PUFFY’s signature laid-back vocals with a bright pop sound.

Put this on while driving along the coast, and it feels like the best summer is about to begin.

The End of Summeraibii karaa63rank/position

IVY COLOR [End of Summer] Music Video

Among the songs by the piano rock band Ivy to Color, several are themed around the seasons, but when it comes to summer, this is the one.

It portrays a couple who grow closer and closer beneath the fireworks of a summer festival.

While it has the driving energy characteristic of a rock band, the piano sound adds a dramatic touch to the track.

With fireworks—an iconic symbol of summer—and a sweet, heartwarming romance that tickles the heart, it’s a summer song especially recommended for younger listeners.

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